Moises Padilla, La Carlota ditching Panaad

The local government did not say why they are not joining, Provincial Planning and Development Coordinator Ma. Lina Sanogal told the press on Thursday.

Capitol has not received any official correspondence from Moises Padilla, but municipal representatives said they will not open their pavilion or participate in any competition, said Sanogal. “It’s hard to speculate about their reason.”

La Carlota City is not joining Panaad as well. It is celebrating Pasalamat Festival at the same time as the province-wide event.

But unlike Moises Padilla, La Carlota City is opening its pavilion to accommodate tourists, Sanogal said.

The 24th Panaad sa Negros will be held from April 22 to 30 at the Panaad Park and Stadium in Barangay Mansilingan.

This is the first time that Moises Padilla is not joining. Local officials, especially Mayor Magdaleno Peña, should reconsider, said Sanogal.

“Moises Padilla is one of the poorest local governments in the province. They really need exposure. [And] the festival is really for [Negrenses],” she said.

Peña refused to comment on their decision.

SECURITY PREPS

Meanwhile the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office has wrapped up its security preparations for the Panaad.

Around 300 officers will be deployed during the opening ceremonies, according to Superintendent Ervin Glenn Provido, acting deputy director for operations and overall event security supervisor.

The Bacolod City Police Office will deploy its officers, too.

Provido refused to divulge the exact number of police officers in charge of security.

He said they are coordinating with Police Station 7 and the Bacolod Traffic Authority Office in handling vehicular traffic toward the venue. The Philippine Coast Guard also deployed K-9 units.

Festival goers will have designated parking areas. Car passes will be issued to event participants and organizers.

Provido assured there are no terror threats for the Panaad.

He advised festival goers to avoid carrying valuables and be wary of petty criminals./PN